Mrs Trump visited the Upbring New Hope Children's Centre, housing a few dozen young migrants.

"Melania in her "I don't care jacket" just "happened" to show up unannounced to doctors, social workers & medical staff".

Melania Trump was photographed boarding a plane in the offending coat, but had taken it off before she visited detention facilities in Texas where children of illegal immigrants are being held as the feds prosecute their parents.

It was an odd choice for Trump - she isn't often seen wearing a $39 anything, and she rarely wears outfits not carefully thought out. Melania Trump knew her surprise visit to the border would draw massive amounts of media attention. Trump wore it both as she departed and returned to Washington.

The trip is the first lady's first high-profile public appearance since she underwent surgery for a kidney condition on May 14. She was told the children there, most of whom are between the ages of 12 and 17, are usually "distraught" when they first enter.

According to her spokesperson, Melania Trump chose to visit detention centres housing children because she deeply cares about the controversial issue. "It's sad that we have an active and ongoing natural disaster in Texas, and people are anxious about her shoes", Grisham said.

She visited a schoolroom and chatted with about 20 young girls and boys.

The First Lady had initiated the trip and it was planned before president Trump signed his Executive Order appearing to reverse his family separation policy.

Third-graders welcomed Melania with a large paper American flag they'd signed taped to a wall.